Road Safety Road Rules 2017 (Vic)

Version No. 024

Road Safety Road Rules 2017

S.R. No. 41/2017

Version incorporating amendments as at

30 September 2025

TABLE OF PROVISIONS

Rule Page

Part 1—Introductory

Division 1—General

1Objectives
1AAuthorising provision
2Commencement
3Revocations

Division 2—Some features of these Rules

4Definitions
5Diagrams
6Examples
7Headings
8Notes
9Reader's Guide
10Offences

Part 2—Application of Rules

Division 1—Roads and road related areas

11Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road related areas
12What is a road
13What is a road related area

Division 2—Road users and vehicles

14Road users
15What is a vehicle
16Who is a driver
17Who is a rider
18Who is a pedestrian
19References to driver includes rider etc.

Part 3—Speed-limits

20Obeying the speed-limit
21Speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies
22Speed-limit in a speed-limited area
23Speed-limit in a school zone
24Speed-limit in a shared zone
25Speed-limit elsewhere

Part 4—Making turns

Division 1—Left turns at intersections

26Application of Division to roundabouts, road related areas and adjacent land
27Starting a left turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
28Starting a left turn from a multi-lane road
29Making a left turn as indicated by a road marking

Division 2—Right turns (except hook turns) at intersections

30Division does not apply to certain turns
31Starting a right turn from a road (except a multi‑lane road)
32Starting a right turn from a multi-lane road
33Making a right turn

Division 3—Hook turns at intersections

34Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign
35Optional hook turn by a rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter
36Rider of bicycle or electric scooter making a hook turn contrary to no hook turn by bicycles sign

Division 4—U-turns

37Beginning a U-turn
38Giving way when making a U-turn
39Making a U-turn contrary to a no U-turn sign
40Making a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights
41Making a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights
42Starting a U-turn at an intersection
43Making a U-turn at certain crossings
43AMaking a U-turn on a road related area with traffic lights

Part 5—Change of direction and stop signals

Division 1—Change of direction signals

44Division does not apply to entering or leaving a roundabout or lane filtering or repositioning
45What is changing direction
46Giving a left change of direction signal
47How to give a left change of direction signal
48Giving a right change of direction signal
49How to give a right change of direction signal
50How to give a right change of direction signal by giving a hand signal
51When use of direction indicator lights permitted

Division 2—Stop signals

52Division does not apply to riders of bicycles or electric scooters or certain tram drivers
53Giving a stop signal
54How to give a stop signal
55How to give a stop signal by giving a hand signal

Part 6—Traffic lights and twin red lights

Division 1—Obeying traffic lights

56Stopping for a red traffic light or arrow
57Stopping for a yellow traffic light or arrow
58Exceptions to stopping for a red or yellow traffic light
59Proceeding through a red traffic light
60Proceeding through a red traffic arrow
60AProceeding through a bicycle storage area before a red traffic light or arrow
61Proceeding when traffic lights or arrows at an intersection change to yellow or red

Division 2—Giving way at traffic lights

62Giving way when turning at an intersection with traffic lights
63Giving way at an intersection with traffic lights not operating or only partly operating
64Giving way at a flashing yellow traffic arrow at an intersection
65Giving way at a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection) with a flashing yellow traffic light

Division 3—Twin red lights (except at level crossings)

66Stopping for twin red lights (except at level crossings)

Part 7—Giving way

Division 1—Giving way at a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver

67Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at an intersection without traffic lights
68Stopping and giving way at a stop sign or stop line at other places
69Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at an intersection (except a roundabout)
70Giving way at a give way sign at a bridge or length of narrow road
71Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at other places

Division 2—Giving way at an intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applying to the driver

72Giving way at an intersection (except a T‑intersection or roundabout)
73Giving way at a T-intersection

Division 3—Entering or leaving road related areas and adjacent land

74Giving way when entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land
75Giving way when entering a road related area or adjacent land from a road

Division 4—Keeping clear of and giving way to particular vehicles

76Keeping clear of trams travelling in tram lanes etc.
77Giving way to buses
77AInterfering with or interrupting funeral procession
78Keeping clear of police vehicles, emergency vehicles, enforcement vehicles and escort vehicles
79Giving way to police vehicles, emergency vehicles, enforcement vehicles and escort vehicles
79AApproaching and passing stationary or slow-moving police vehicles, emergency vehicles, enforcement vehicles, escort vehicles, incident response service vehicles and roadside assistance vehicles

Division 5—Crossing and shared zones

80Stopping at a children's crossing
81Giving way at a pedestrian crossing
82Overtaking or passing a vehicle at a children's crossing or pedestrian crossing
83Giving way to pedestrians in a shared zone

Division 6—Other give way rules

84Giving way when driving through a break in a dividing strip
85Giving way on a painted island
86Giving way in median turning bays
87Giving way when moving from a side or shoulder of the road or a median strip parking area

Part 8—Traffic signs and road markings

Division 1—Traffic signs and road markings at intersections and other places

88Left turn signs
89Right turn signs
90No turns signs
91No left turn and no right turn signs
92Traffic lane arrows

Division 2—Traffic signs and road markings generally

93No overtaking or passing signs
94No overtaking on bridge signs
95Emergency stopping lane only signs
96Keep clear markings
97Road access signs
98One-way signs
99Keep left and keep right signs
100No entry signs
101Hand-held stop signs
101ASafety ramp and arrester bed signs

Division 3—Signs for trucks, buses and other large vehicles

102Clearance and low clearance signs
103Load limit signs
104No trucks signs
105Trucks must enter signs
106No buses signs
107Buses must enter signs
108Trucks and buses low gear signs

Part 9—Roundabouts

109What is a roundabout
110Meaning of halfway around a roundabout
111Entering a roundabout from a multi-lane road or a road with 2 or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction
112Giving a left change of direction signal when entering a roundabout
113Giving a right change of direction signal when entering a roundabout
114Giving way when entering or driving in a roundabout
115Driving in a roundabout
116Obeying traffic lane arrows when driving in or leaving a roundabout
117Giving a change of direction signal when changing marked lanes or lines of traffic in a roundabout
118Giving a left change of direction signal when leaving a roundabout
119Giving way by the rider of a bicycle, an electric scooter or animal to a vehicle leaving a roundabout

Part 10—Level crossings

120What is a level crossing
121Stopping and giving way at a stop sign at a level crossing
122Giving way at a give way sign or give way line at a level crossing
123Entering a level crossing when a train or tram is approaching etc.
124Leaving a level crossing

Part 11—Keeping left, overtaking and other driving rules

Division 1—General

125Unreasonably obstructing drivers or pedestrians
126Keeping a safe distance behind vehicles
127Keeping a minimum distance between long vehicles
128Entering blocked intersections
128AEntering blocked crossings

Division 2—Keeping to the left

129Keeping to the far left side of a road
130Keeping to the left on a multi-lane road
131Keeping to the left of oncoming vehicles
132Keeping to the left of the centre of a road or the dividing line
133Exceptions to keeping to the left of the centre of a road
134Exceptions to keeping to the left of a dividing line
135Keeping to the left of a median strip
136Driving on a one-way service road
137Keeping off a dividing strip
138Keeping off a painted island
139Exceptions for avoiding obstructions on a road

Division 3—Overtaking

140No overtaking unless safe to do so
141No overtaking etc. to the left of a vehicle
142No overtaking to the right of a vehicle turning right etc.
143Passing or overtaking a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign
144Keeping a safe distance when overtaking
144AKeeping a sufficient distance when passing to the right side of a bicycle or an electric scooter
145Driver being overtaken not to increase speed

Division 4—Driving in marked lanes or lines of traffic

146Driving within a single marked lane or line of traffic
147Moving from one marked lane to another marked lane across a continuous line separating the lanes
148Giving way when moving from one marked lane or line of traffic to another marked lane or line of traffic
148AGiving way when moving within a single marked lane
149Giving way when lines of traffic merge into a single line of traffic
150Driving on or across a continuous white edge line
151Riding a motor bike or bicycle alongside more than one other rider
151ALane filtering at excessive speed
151BCircumstances in which a motor cycle rider may engage in lane filtering

Division 5—Obeying overhead lane control devices applying to marked lanes

152Complying with overhead lane control devices

Division 6—Driving in marked lanes designated for special purposes

153Bicycle lanes
154Bus lanes
154ABus only lanes
155Tram lanes
155ATramways
156Transit lanes
157Truck lanes
158Exceptions to driving in special purpose lanes etc.
159Marked lanes required to be used by particular kinds of vehicles

Division 7—Passing trams and safety zones

160Passing or overtaking a tram that is not at or near the left side of a road
161Passing or overtaking a tram at or near the left side of a road
162Driving past a safety zone
163Driving past the rear of a stopped tram at a tram stop
164Stopping beside a stopped tram at a tram stop
164ATram stopping beside a driver at a tram stop

Part 12—Restrictions on stopping and parking

Division 1—General

165Stopping in an emergency etc. or to comply with another rule
166Application of Part to bicycles

Division 2—No stopping and no parking signs and road markings

167No stopping signs
168No parking signs
169No stopping on a road with a yellow edge line

Division 3—Stopping at intersections and crossing

170Stopping in or near an intersection
171Stopping on or near a children's crossing
172Stopping on or near a pedestrian crossing (except at an intersection)
173Stopping on or near a marked foot crossing (except at an intersection)
174Stopping on or near a bicycle crossing (except at an intersection)
175Stopping on or near a level crossing

Division 4—Stopping on clearways and freeways and in emergency stopping lanes

176Stopping on a clearway
177Stopping on a freeway
178Stopping in an emergency stopping lane

Division 5—Stopping in zones for particular vehicles

179Stopping in a loading zone
180Stopping in a truck zone
181Stopping in a works zone
182Stopping in a taxi zone
183Stopping in a bus zone
184Stopping in a minibus zone
185Stopping in a permit zone
186Stopping in a mail zone

Division 6—Other places where stopping is restricted

187Stopping in a bus lane, bus only lane, tram lane, tramway, transit lane, truck lane or on tram tracks
188Stopping in a shared zone
189Double parking
190Stopping in or near a safety zone
191Stopping near an obstruction
192Stopping on a bridge or in a tunnel etc.
193Stopping on a crest or curve outside a built-up area
194Stopping near a fire hydrant etc.
195Stopping at or near a bus stop
196Stopping at or near a tram stop
197Stopping on a path, dividing strip, nature strip, painted island or traffic island
198Obstructing access to and from a footpath, driveway etc.
199Stopping near a postbox
200Stopping on roads—heavy and long vehicles
201Stopping on a road with a bicycle parking sign
202Stopping on a road with a motor bike parking sign
203Stopping in a parking area for people with disabilities
203AStopping in a slip lane
203BStopping in a parking area for electric-powered vehicles
203CStopping in a parking area for the charging of electric-powered vehicles

Division 7—Permissive parking signs and parking fees

204Meaning of certain information on or with permissive parking signs
205Parking for longer than indicated
205AParking outside times indicated
206Time extension for people with disabilities
207Parking where fees are payable

Division 8—Parallel parking

208Parallel parking on a road (except in a median strip parking area)
208AParallel parking in a road related area (except in a median strip parking area)
209Parallel parking in a median strip parking area

Division 9—Angle parking

210Angle parking

Division 10—Other parking related rules

211Parking in parking bays
212Entering and leaving a median strip parking area
213Making a motor vehicle secure

Part 13—Lights and warning devices

Division 1—Lights on vehicles (except bicycles, electric scooters, animals and animal‑drawn vehicles)

214Division does not apply to riders of bicycles, electric scooters, animals or animal‑drawn vehicles
215Using lights when driving at night or in hazardous weather conditions
216Towing a vehicle at night or in hazardous weather conditions
217Using fog lights
218Using headlights on high-beam
219Lights not to be used to dazzle other road users
220Using lights on vehicles that are stopped
221Using hazard warning lights
222Using warning lights on buses carrying children

Division 2—Lights on animal-drawn vehicles

223Using lights when riding an animal-drawn vehicle at night or in hazardous weather conditions

Division 3—Horns and radar detectors

224Using horns and similar warning devices
225Using radar detectors and similar devices

Division 4—Portable warning triangles for heavy vehicles

226Heavy vehicles to be equipped with portable warning triangles
227Using portable warning triangles

Part 14—Rules for pedestrians

Division 1—General

228No pedestrians signs
229Pedestrians on a road with a road access sign
230Crossing a road—general
231Crossing a road at pedestrian lights
232Crossing a road at traffic lights
233Crossing a road to or from a tram
234Crossing a road on or near a crossing for pedestrians
235Crossing a level crossing
235ACrossing a pedestrian level crossing that has a red pedestrian light
236Pedestrians not to cause a traffic hazard or obstruction
237Getting on or into a moving vehicle
238Pedestrians travelling along a road (except while travelling on an electric personal transporter or in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy)
239Pedestrians on a bicycle path or separated footpath

Division 2—Rules for persons travelling in or on wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys

240Wheeled recreational devices and toys not to be used on certain roads
240ANo wheeled recreational devices or toys sign
241Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a road
242Travelling in or on a wheeled recreational device or toy on a footpath or shared path
243Travelling on rollerblades etc. on a bicycle path or separated footpath
244Wheeled recreational devices or wheeled toys being towed etc.
244AMeanings of scooter
244BWearing of helmets and other requirements for users of scooters

Division 3—Rules for persons travelling on electric personal transporters

244CElectric personal transporter routes and use areas
244DElectric personal transporters must only be used on roads or road related areas as part of an electric personal transporter tour
244EElectric personal transporters must only be used on electric personal transporter routes or in electric personal transporter use areas
244FElectric personal transporters not to be used on certain roads
244GNo electric personal transporter sign
244HTravelling on an electric personal transporter on a road
244ITravelling on an electric personal transporter on a footpath or shared path or in a shared zone
244JTravelling on an electric personal transporter on a bicycle path or separated footpath
244KElectric personal transporter user to stop at red bicycle crossing light
244LElectric personal transporter user to stop at yellow bicycle crossing light
244MElectric personal transporter user proceeding when bicycle crossing lights change to yellow or red
244NElectric personal transporters being towed
244OPerson to have proper control of an electric personal transporter
244PWearing of bicycle helmets by persons travelling on electric personal transporters
244QEquipment on electric personal transporters
244RMinimum age requirement for travelling on electric personal transporters
244SSpeed-limit applicable to electric personal transporters
244TCarrying people or animals on electric personal transporters
244UOffence to consume intoxicating liquor while travelling on an electric personal transporter

Part 15—Additional rules for riders of bicycles and electric scooters

Division 1—Rules for riders of bicycles and electric scooters

244WApplication of Division
245Riding a bicycle
246Carrying people on a bicycle
247Riding in a bicycle lane on a road
247AEntering a bicycle storage area
247BGiving way while entering or in a bicycle storage area
248No riding across a road on a crossing

249Riding on a separated footpath
250Riding on a footpath or shared path
251Riding to the left of oncoming riders of bicycles or electric scooters on a path
252No bicycles signs and markings
253Riders of bicycles or electric scooters not to cause a traffic hazard
254Bicycles or electric scooters being towed etc.
255Riding too close to the rear of a motor vehicle
256Bicycle helmets
257Riding with a person on a bicycle trailer
258Equipment on a bicycle or an electric scooter
259Riding at night
260Stopping for a red bicycle crossing light
261Stopping for a yellow bicycle crossing light
262Proceeding when bicycle crossing lights change to yellow or red

Division 2—Additional rules for riders of electric scooters

262CRiding electric scooters on a footpath
262DRiding electric scooters on certain roads
262ERiding an electric scooter on a road alongside another rider or pedestrian
262FMinimum age requirement for riding an electric scooter
262GSpeed-limit applicable to electric scooter
262HCarrying people on electric scooter
262HAPassengers not permitted on an electric scooter
262IOffence to consume intoxicating liquor while riding an electric scooter

Part 16—Rules for persons travelling in or on vehicles

263Application of Part to persons in or on trams
263ARequirement that seatbelt etc. be properly adjusted and fastened
263BDriver or passenger in motor vehicle must not occupy the same seating position as another person
264Drivers must comply with seatbelt requirements
264ADriver must ensure passengers comply with seatbelt requirements
265Passengers 16 years old or older must comply with seatbelt requirements
266Driver must ensure passengers under 16 years old are appropriately secured
266AAppropriate securing of passengers under 16 years old
267Exemptions from wearing seatbelts—certificate exempting person
267AExemption from wearing seatbelt—seating position not fitted with seatbelt
267BExemption from wearing seatbelt—passenger in police vehicle etc.
267CExemption from wearing seatbelt—other exemptions
268How persons must travel in or on a motor vehicle
269Opening doors and getting out of a vehicle etc.
270Wearing motor bike helmets
271Riding on motor bikes and motor cycles
272Interfering with the driver's control of the vehicle etc.

Part 17—Additional rules for drivers of trams and public buses and, in the case of B Lights, for drivers of other vehicles permitted to drive in a bus lane

Division 1—Trams

273Division also applies to tram recovery vehicles and public buses travelling along tram tracks
274Stopping for a red T light
275Stopping for a yellow T light
276Exception to stopping for a red or yellow T light
277Proceeding after stopping for a red or yellow T light
278Proceeding when a red traffic light and a white T light or white traffic arrow is showing
279Proceeding when a white T light or white traffic arrow is no longer showing

Division 2—Public buses

280Application of Division
281Stopping for a red B light
282Stopping for a yellow B light
283Exception to stopping for a red or yellow B light
284Proceeding after stopping for a red or yellow B light
285Proceeding when a red traffic light and a white B light or white traffic arrow is showing
286Proceeding when a white B light or white traffic arrow is no longer showing

Part 18—Miscellaneous road rules

Division 1—Miscellaneous rules for drivers

287Duties of driver involved in an accident
288Driving on a path
289Driving on a nature strip
290Driving on a traffic island
291Making unnecessary noise or smoke
292Insecure or overhanging load
293Removing fallen etc. things from the road
294Keeping control of a vehicle being towed
295Motor vehicle towing another vehicle with a towline
296Driving a vehicle in reverse
297Driver to have proper control of a vehicle etc.
298Driving with a person in a trailer

Division 2—Rules for people in charge of animals

301Leading an animal while in or on a vehicle
302Rider of an animal on a footpath or nature strip to give way to pedestrians
303Riding an animal alongside more than one other rider
303AARiding an animal-drawn vehicle in the animal‑drawn vehicle prohibited area
303AHorse riding helmets to be worn by riders under 18

Division 3—Obeying directions

304Direction by a police officer or authorised person

Part 18A—Use of devices in or on vehicles, wheeled recreational devices and electric personal transporters

Division 1—Interpretation

304ADefinitions
304BWhat is a device
304CMeaning of required capabilities
304DWhat is a display
304EMeaning of operating, touching and ongoing activity
304FStationary and parked vehicles, wheeled recreational devices or electric personal transporters
304GPermitted device interactions
304GAWhat is an in-vehicle transaction
304GBWho is a fully licensed driver
304GCWho is a novice driver
304GDCalculation of period for which person has held a motor cycle licence

Division 2—Operation of devices in motor vehicles

304HOperation of inbuilt devices, mounted devices and motor bike helmet devices in motor vehicles
304IOperation of wearable devices in motor vehicles
304JTouching or looking at portable devices in motor vehicles
304KOperation of portable devices other than by touching by fully licensed drivers
304KAOperation of portable devices other than by touching by other drivers

Division 3—Operation of devices in relation to bicycles, electric scooters and vehicles that are not motor vehicles

304LOperation of inbuilt devices, mounted devices and motor bike helmet devices on bicycles and electric scooters and in vehicles that are not motor vehicles
304MOperation of wearable devices on bicycles and electric scooters and in vehicles that are not motor vehicles
304NOperation of portable devices on bicycles and electric scooters and in vehicles that are not motor vehicles

Division 4—Operation of devices in relation to wheeled recreational devices and electric personal transporters

304OOperation of inbuilt devices, mounted devices and motor bike helmet devices in or on wheeled recreational devices and electric personal transporters
304POperation of wearable devices in or on wheeled recreational devices and electric personal transporters
304QOperation of portable devices in or on wheeled recreational devices and electric personal transporters

Part 19—Exemptions

305Exemption for drivers of police vehicles
305AExemption for drivers of vehicles being used for police driver training
306Exemption for drivers of emergency vehicles
306AExemption for drivers of enforcement vehicles and escort vehicles
307Stopping and parking exemption for police vehicles, emergency vehicles, enforcement vehicles, escort vehicles and authorised persons
308Exemption for police officers, emergency workers, enforcement vehicle workers and escort vehicle workers on foot
309Exemption for drivers of trams etc.
310Exemption for road workers etc.
311Exemption for oversize vehicles
312Exemption for tow truck drivers
313Exemption for postal vehicles
313AExemptions for drivers of incident response service vehicles
313BExemptions for drivers of railway incident response vehicles

Part 20—Traffic control devices and traffic‑related items

Division 1—General

314Diagrams of traffic control devices, traffic-related items and symbols
315Legal effect of traffic control devices mentioned in these Rules
316When do traffic control devices comply substantially with these Rules
317Information on or with traffic control devices
317ATraffic control devices applying on school days
318Limited effect of certain traffic control devices
319Legal effect of traffic-related items mentioned in these Rules
320When do traffic-related items comply substantially with these Rules
321Meaning of information on or with traffic control devices and traffic-related items
322References to traffic control devices and traffic‑related items on a road etc.
323References to lights that are traffic signals
323AAudible lines

Division 2—Application of traffic control devices to lengths of roads and areas

324Purpose of Division
325References to traffic control devices—application to lengths of road and areas
326When do traffic control devices apply to a length of road or area—the basic rules
327Length of road to which a traffic sign (except a parking control sign) applies
328References to a traffic control device applying to a length of road
329Traffic control devices applying to a marked lane
330Traffic control devices applying to a slip lane
331Traffic control devices applying to an intersection
332Parking control signs applying to a length of road
333Parking control signs applying to a length of road in an area to which another parking control sign applies etc.
334How parking control signs apply to a length of road
335Traffic control devices applying to an area
336How separated footpath signs and separated footpath road markings apply

Division 3—Application of traffic control devices to persons

337Purpose of Division
338References to traffic control devices—application to persons
339When do traffic control devices apply to a person—the basic rules
340Traffic control devices (except road markings and parking control signs)
341Road markings
342Traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to a length of road
343Traffic signs (except parking control signs) applying to an area
344Traffic control devices applying to a driver in a marked lane
345Traffic control devices applying to a driver in a slip lane
346Parking control signs

Part 21—General

347Meaning of abbreviations and symbols
348References to a driver doing something etc.
349References to certain kinds of roads
350References to stopping or parking on a length of road etc.
351References to left and right
352References to stopping as near as practicable to a place
353References to pedestrians crossing a road

Part 22—Additional Victorian road rules

400Definitions
401Obstructing roads
402Giving way to stock
403Requirement to travel at a safe speed near stock
404Requirement to stop at a stock crossing
406Supervising drivers and excessive speed
407Secretary may declare or approve items for the purposes of the Road Rules
408Transitional provision—Corporation approvals

Schedule 1—Abbreviations and symbols

Schedule 2—Standard or commonly used traffic signs

Schedule 3—Other Victorian permitted traffic signs

Schedule 4—Symbols and traffic‑related items

Schedule 5—Revocations

Dictionary

═══════════════

Endnotes

1 General information

2 Table of Amendments

3 Explanatory details

Version No. 024

Road Safety Road Rules 2017

S.R. No. 41/2017

Version incorporating amendments as at

30 September 2025

PART 1—INTRODUCTORY

Division 1—General

1Objectives
The main objectives of these Rules are—
(a)to provide road rules in Victoria that are substantially consistent with road rules across Australia, based on the current version of the Australian Road Rules approved by the Transport and Infrastructure Council under the National Transport Commission Act 2003 of the Commonwealth; and
(b)to establish rules to be observed by road users in Victoria in matters not otherwise dealt with in the Australian Road Rules; and
(c)to specify behaviour for all road users that supports the safe and efficient use of roads in Victoria.

1AAuthorising provision
These Rules are made under section 95D of the Road Safety Act 1986.
2Commencement
These Rules come into operation on 1 July 2017.
3Revocations
The Rules set out in Schedule 5 are revoked.

Division 2—Some features of these Rules

4Definitions
(1)The dictionary at the end of these Rules defines certain words and expressions, and includes references to certain words and expressions defined elsewhere in these Rules (signpost definitions).
Example
The signpost definition "road related area see rule 13" means that the expression "road related area" is defined in rule 13.
Note
The dictionary only includes a signpost definition for a word or expression if the word or expression is used in 2 or more rules.
(2)The dictionary is part of these Rules.
(3)A definition in these Rules applies to each use of the word or expression in these Rules, unless the contrary intention appears.
5Diagrams
A diagram in these Rules is part of these Rules.
Notes
1 If a diagram of a traffic control device, traffic-related item or symbol is in black and white in these Rules, the diagram may be a black or white version of the device, item or symbol—see rule 314. If so, the colour version of the device, item or symbol will be in Schedule 2, 3 or 4.
2 A diagram may be an example—see rule 6(1).
6Examples
(1)An example (whether or not in the form of a diagram) in these Rules is part of these Rules.

(2)If these Rules include an example of the operation of a provision of the Rules—
(a)the example is not exhaustive; and
(b)the example does not limit, but may extend, the meaning of the provision.

7Headings
A heading to a Part, Division, Schedule, rule or any other provision of these Rules is part of these Rules.
8Notes
A note in these Rules is explanatory and is not part of these Rules.
9Reader's Guide
The Reader's Guide is not part of these Rules.
10Offences
(1)The expression "Penalty:" at the foot of a rule (or, if the rule has 2 or more subrules, at the foot of a subrule) indicates that a contravention (whether by act or omission) of the rule (or subrule) is an offence.
(2)The penalty for an offence is a penalty not exceeding that set out after the expression "Penalty:".
(3)If a penalty is stated as a number of "penalty units", the penalty is the amount calculated by multiplying that number by the value of a penalty unit fixed under section 5

of the Monetary Units Act 2004.

PART 2—APPLICATION OF RULES

Division 1—Roads and road related areas

11Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road related areas
(1)These Rules apply to vehicles and road users on roads and road related areas.
Note
Road is defined in rule 12, road related area is defined in rule 13, road user is defined in rule 14 and vehicle is defined in rule 15.
(2)A reference in a rule (except in this Division) to a road includes a reference to a road related area, unless otherwise expressly stated in the rule.
Examples
1     A reference in rule 146 (which deals with driving within a single marked lane or line of traffic) to the road includes a reference to the road related area of the road.
2     A reference in rule 200(1) (which deals with certain heavy or long vehicles stopping on roads) to a length of road includes a reference to the road related area of the length of road.
3     A reference in rule 31 (which deals with starting a right turn from a road, except a multi-lane road) to a road does not include a reference to a road related area, because of the definition in subrule (5) of that rule.
12What is a road
(1)A road is—
(a)an area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles; or

(b)a place that is a road by virtue of a declaration under section 3(2)(a) of the Road Safety Act 1986—

but does not include a place that is not a road by virtue of a declaration under section 3(2)(a) of the Road Safety Act 1986.
Note
Motor vehicle is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986.
(2)However, a reference in these Rules (except in this Division) to a road does not include a reference to any shoulder of the road.
(3)The shoulder of the road means an area (not being part of the road) adjoining the road that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking motor vehicles and to which a parking control sign does not apply.
Note
Parking control sign is defined in the dictionary.
13What is a road related area
(1)A road related area is any of the following—
(a)an area that divides a road;
(b)a footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;
(c)an area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals;
(d)an area that is not a road and that is open to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking motor vehicles;

(e)a place that is a road related area by virtue of a declaration under section 3(2)(a) of the Road Safety Act 1986—

but does not include a place that is not a road related area by virtue of a declaration under section 3(2)(a) of the Road Safety Act 1986.
Note
Motor vehicle is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986.
(2)A reference in these Rules (except in this Division) to a road related area includes a reference to any part of a road that is a shoulder of the road.
Note
Shoulder is defined in rule 12.

Division 2—Road users and vehicles

14Road users
A road user is a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian.
Note
Driver is defined in rule 16, pedestrian is defined in rule 18 and rider is defined in rule 17.
15What is a vehicle
A vehicle includes—
(a)a motor vehicle, trailer and tram; and
(b)a bicycle; and
(ba)an electric scooter; and

(c)an animal-drawn vehicle, and an animal that is being ridden or drawing a vehicle; and
(d)a combination; and
(e)a motorised wheelchair that can travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground)—

but does not include another kind of wheelchair, a train, a wheeled recreational device, a wheeled toy or an electric personal transporter.
Note
Various terms mentioned in this rule are defined in the dictionary. Motor vehicle is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986.
16Who is a driver
(1)A driver is the person who is driving a vehicle (except a motor bike, bicycle, electric scooter, animal or animal-drawn vehicle).
Notes
1 Bicycle, electric scooter and motor bike are defined in the dictionary and vehicle is defined in rule 15.

2 Drive includes be in control of—see the definition in the dictionary.
(2)However, a driver does not include a person pushing a motorised wheelchair.
Note
Wheelchair is defined in the dictionary.
17Who is a rider
(1)A rider is the person who is riding a motor bike, bicycle, electric scooter, animal or animal-drawn vehicle.

Notes
1 Bicycle, electric scooter and motor bike are defined in the dictionary.

2 Ride, for the rider of a motor bike or animal-drawn vehicle, includes be in control of—see the definition in the dictionary.
(2)A rider does not include—
(a)a passenger; or
(b)a person walking beside and pushing a bicycle or an electric scooter.

18Who is a pedestrian
A pedestrian includes—
(a)a person driving a motorised wheelchair that cannot travel at over 10 kilometres per hour (on level ground); and

(b)a person in a non-motorised wheelchair;

and
(c)a person pushing a motorised or non‑motorised wheelchair; and
(d)a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy; and
(e)a person travelling on an electric personal transporter.

Note
Electric personal transporter, travel on, wheelchair, wheeled recreational device and wheeled toy are defined in the dictionary.

19References to driver includes rider etc.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, a reference in these Rules (except in this Division) to a driver includes a reference to a rider, and a reference in these Rules (except in this Division) to driving includes a reference to riding.

PART 3—SPEED-LIMITS

20Obeying the speed-limit
(1)A driver must not drive at a speed over the speed‑limit applying to the driver for the length of road where the driver is driving.
Penalty:(a) for a driver of a vehicle other than a heavy vehicle that exceeds the speed-limit by less than 35 kilometres per hour—

(i)in the case of a natural person, 10 penalty units;

(ii)in the case of a body corporate, 120 penalty units;

(b)for a driver of a vehicle other than a heavy vehicle that exceeds the speed-limit by 35 kilometres per hour or more but less than 45 kilometres per hour—
(i)in the case of a natural person, 15 penalty units;
(ii)in the case of a body corporate, 120 penalty units;

(c)for a driver of a vehicle other than a heavy vehicle that exceeds the speed-limit by 45 kilometres per hour or more—
(i)in the case of a natural person, 20 penalty units;
(ii)in the case of a body corporate, 120 penalty units;

(d)for a driver of a heavy vehicle that exceeds the speed-limit by less than 35 kilometres per hour—
(i)in the case of a natural person, 20 penalty units;
(ii)in the case of a body corporate, 120 penalty units.

Notes
1 A body corporate may be guilty of the offence by force of section 84BC of the Road Safety Act 1986.
2 For drivers of heavy vehicles who exceed the speed‑limit by 35 kilometres per hour or more, see section 65B of the Road Safety Act 1986.
* * * * *

(5)For the purposes of this rule, a heavy vehicle includes a motor vehicle (other than a bus) that has a GCM greater than 14·5 tonnes.
Notes
1The Road Rules about speed-limits are as follows—
·rule 21—speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies;
·rule 22—speed-limit in a speed-limited area;
·rule 24—speed-limit in a shared zone;
·rule 25—speed-limit elsewhere.

2Road includes a road related area—see rule 11(2).
3Length of road includes a marked lane, a part of a marked lane, or another part of a length of road—see the definition in the dictionary.
4Part 20, Division 2 deals with the way in which a traffic sign applies to a length of road. Part 20, Division 3 deals with the way in which the traffic sign applies to drivers driving on the length of road.
5Bus, GCM, heavy vehicle and motor vehicle are defined in the Road Safety Act 1986.
6See rule 152(5) and (6) in relation to the speed-limit that applies to a driver in a closed marked lane to which an overhead lane control device applies.

21Speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies
(1)The speed-limit applying to a driver for a length of road to which a speed-limit sign applies is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the sign.
Note
Length of road is defined in the dictionary.
(2)However, if the number on the speed-limit sign is over 100 the speed-limit applying to the driver for the length of road is 100 kilometres per hour if the driver is driving—
(a)a bus with a GVM over 5 tonnes; or
(b)a prime mover with a GCM over 22 tonnes; or
(c)a vehicle other than a bus with a GVM over 12 tonnes.

Notes
1 Bus, GCM, GVM and prime mover are defined in the Road Safety Act 1986. Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
2 If the vehicle is a class O vehicle as defined by the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021, or a class 1 heavy vehicle, class 2 heavy vehicle or class 3 heavy vehicle as defined by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Victoria), the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed-limit by conditions imposed on a permit or notice applying to the vehicle.
(3)A speed-limit sign on a road applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearest of the following—
(a)a speed-limit sign on the road with a different number on the sign;
(b)an end speed-limit sign or a speed derestriction sign on the road;
(c)if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end—the end of the road.

Notes
1     T-intersection is defined in the dictionary.
2     Rule 322(1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign on a road.

Speed-limit signs

Speed-limit sign (Standard sign) Speed-limit sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

Other signs

End speed-limit sign Speed derestriction sign

Notes for diagrams
1     There are other permitted versions of the speed-limit sign—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.
2     A speed-limit sign or an end speed-limit sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316(4).

22Speed-limit in a speed-limited area
(1)The speed-limit applying to a driver for any length of road in a speed-limited area is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the area speed-limit sign on a road into the area, unless another speed-limit applies to the driver for the length of road under another rule of this Part.
Example of another speed-limit
Although an area speed-limit sign on a road into

a speed‑limited area may indicate a speed-limit of 60 kilometres per hour, a particular length of road

in the area may have a shared zone sign indicating

a 10 kilometres per hour speed-limit for that length

of road.
Note
Length of road is defined in the dictionary.
(2)A speed-limited area is the network of roads in an area with—
(a)an area speed-limit sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number; and
(b)an end area speed-limit sign on each road out of the area.

(3)In subrule (2)(a) and (b)—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
Road related area is defined in rule 13.

Area speed-limit sign

End area speed-limit sign

Notes for diagrams
1     There are other permitted versions of each of these signs—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.
2     An area speed-limit sign or end area speed-limit sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316(4).
23Speed-limit in a school zone
*                *                *                *                *

Note
There is no rule 23. The school zone signs in use in Victoria are an example of rule 316(4) signs—speed-limit signs with additional information. Diagrams of speed-limit signs are in Schedule 3.
24Speed-limit in a shared zone
(1)The speed-limit applying to a driver for any length of road in a shared zone is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the shared zone sign on a road, or the road, into the zone.
Note
A driver driving in a shared zone must give way to any pedestrian in the zone—see rule 83.
(2)A shared zone is—
(a)if there is a shared zone sign and an end shared zone sign on a road and there is no intersection on the length of road between the signs—that length of road; or
(b)if there is a shared zone sign on a road that ends in a dead end and there is no intersection on the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the dead end—that length of road; or
(c)a network of roads in an area with—
(i)a shared zone sign on each road into the area, indicating the same number; and
(ii)an end shared zone sign on each road out of the area; or

(d)a road related area that is between a shared zone sign that relates to the area and an end shared zone sign that relates to the area.

Note
Intersection is defined in the dictionary.
(3)In subrules (2)(c)(i) and (ii)—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
Road related area is defined in rule 13.

Shared zone sign

End shared zone sign

Notes for diagrams
1 There are other permitted versions of each of these signs—see the diagrams in Schedule 3.
2 A shared zone sign may have a different number on the sign—see rule 316(4).
25Speed-limit elsewhere
(1)If a speed-limit sign does not apply to a

length of road and the length of road is not in a speed‑limited area or shared zone, the speed-limit applying to a driver for the length of road is the default speed-limit.
Note
Length of road is defined in the dictionary. Shared zone is defined in rule 24 and speed-limited area is defined in rule 22.

(2)The default speed-limit applying to a driver for a length of road in a built-up area is 50 kilometres per hour.
Note
Built-up area is defined in the dictionary.
(3)The default speed-limit applying to a driver for any other length of road is 100 kilometres per hour.
Note
If the vehicle is a class O vehicle as defined by the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021, or a class 1 heavy vehicle, class 2 heavy vehicle or class 3 heavy vehicle as defined by the Heavy Vehicle National Law (Victoria), the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed-limit by conditions imposed on a permit or notice applying to the vehicle.

PART 4—MAKING TURNS

Division 1—Left turns at intersections

26Application of Division to roundabouts, road related areas and adjacent land
(1)This Division does not apply to a driver entering or leaving a roundabout.
Notes
1     Roundabout is defined in rule 109.
2     Part 9 deals with entering and leaving a roundabout.
(2)This Division applies to a driver turning left from a road into a road related area or adjacent land, or from a road related area into a road, as if the driver were turning left at an intersection.
Notes
1     Adjacent land and intersection are defined in the dictionary. Road related area is defined in rule 13. Adjacent land or a road related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre—see the definitions.
2     Rule 74 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land. Rule 75 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road related area or adjacent land from a road. Rule 212 deals with a driver entering and leaving a median strip parking area.
3     For the meaning of left, see rule 351(1).
(3)In this rule—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
A road related area includes the shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

27Starting a left turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
(1)A driver turning left at an intersection from a road (except a multi-lane road) must approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Intersection and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary.
(1A)Subrule (1) also applies to a rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter who approaches and enters an intersection from a bicycle storage area.
Note
Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.
(1B)Despite subrule (1), if there is space in a bicycle storage area for 2 riders of bicycles to be next to each other, the rider on the right may approach and enter the intersection as near as practicable to the right side of the other rider, but only if that other rider approaches and enters the intersection in accordance with this rule.
(2)In this rule—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
Road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

Example
Starting a left turn from a road (except a multi-lane road)
28Starting a left turn from a multi-lane road
(1)A driver turning left at an intersection from a multi-lane road must approach and enter the intersection from within the left lane unless—
(a)the driver is required or permitted to approach and enter the intersection from within another marked lane under rule 88(1), 92 or 159; or
(b)the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17; or
(c)subrule (1A) or (2) applies to the driver; or

(d)the lane is a bus only lane.

Penalty:3 penalty units.

Notes
1 B lights, intersection, marked lane, multi-lane road and traffic arrows are defined in the dictionary. Left lane is defined in subrule (3). Bus only lane is defined in rule 154A.

2 Rule 88(1) deals with left turn only signs, rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows. Rule 159 deals with traffic signs requiring particular kinds of vehicles to drive in an indicated marked lane.
3 Division 2 of Part 17 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.
Example for subrule (1)(a)
Starting a left turn on a multi-lane road with traffic lane arrows as required or permitted under rule 92
(1A)A driver turning left at an intersection from a multi-lane road that has a slip lane must approach and enter the intersection—
(a)from within the slip lane; or

(b)if there is an obstruction that prevents the driver from entering the intersection from within the slip lane—from within the left lane.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Obstruction and slip lane are defined in the dictionary.
(2)A driver may approach and enter the intersection from the marked lane next to the left lane as well as, or instead of, the left lane if—
(a)the driver's vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7×5 metres long, or longer; and
(b)the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and
(c)any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection;

and
(d)it is not practicable for the driver to turn left from within the left lane; and
(e)the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn left at the intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

Notes
1 Driver's vehicle is defined in the dictionary.
2 Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15(d).

Example
Long vehicle turning left from the left lane and next marked lane
(2A)If there is a bicycle storage area before an intersection that extends across one or more marked lanes of a multi-lane road, a rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter turning left must approach and enter the intersection from within the part of the bicycle storage area that is directly in front of the left marked lane or of a bicycle lane that is on the left side of the road.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.
(3)In this rule—
left lane means—
(a)the marked lane nearest to the far left side of the road; or
(b)if there is an obstruction (for example, a parked car or roadworks) in that marked lane—the marked lane nearest to that marked lane that is not obstructed;

marked lane, for a driver, does not include a special purpose lane in which the driver is not permitted to drive.

Notes
1 Obstruction and special purpose lane are defined in the dictionary.
2 Rule 95 deals with driving in an emergency stopping lane and Part 11, Division 6 deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.
Do not overtake turning vehicle signs
Note for diagrams
These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.
29Making a left turn as indicated by a road marking
(1)If a driver is turning left at an intersection and there is a turn line indicating how the turn is required to be made, the driver must make the turn as indicated by the turn line unless—
(a)the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17; or
(b)subrule (2) applies to the driver.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Notes
1 B lights, intersection, traffic arrows and turn line are defined in the dictionary.
2 Division 2 of Part 17 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.

Example
Making a left turn as indicated by road markings
(2)A driver may turn left at an intersection other than as indicated by a turn line if—
(a)the driver's vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7×5 metres long, or longer; and
(b)the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and
(c)it is not practicable for the driver to turn left as indicated by the turn line; and
(d)the driver can safely turn left other than as indicated by the turn line.

Notes
1 Driver's vehicle is defined in the dictionary.
2 Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15(d).
Do not overtake turning vehicle signs
Note for diagrams
These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Division 2—Right turns (except hook turns) at intersections

30Division does not apply to certain turns
(1)This Division does not apply to—
(a)a driver turning right at an intersection where there is a hook turn only sign; or
(b)the rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter making a hook turn under Division 3; or

(c)a driver making a U-turn; or
(d)a driver entering or leaving a roundabout.

Notes
1 Bicycle, electric scooter, intersection and U-turn are defined in the dictionary. Roundabout is defined in rule 109.

2     Division 3 of this Part deals with hook turns, Division 4 deals with U-turns and Part 9 deals with entering and leaving a roundabout.
3     For the meaning of right, see rule 351(2).
(2)This Division applies to a driver turning right from a road into a road related area or adjacent land, or from a road related area into a road, as if the driver were turning right at an intersection.
Notes
1     Adjacent land is defined in the dictionary. Road related area is defined in rule 13. Adjacent land or a road related area can include a driveway, service station or shopping centre—see the definitions.

2 Rule 74 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land and rule 75 deals with the give way rules applying to a driver entering a road related area or adjacent land from a road. Rule 212 deals with a driver entering and leaving a median strip parking area.
(3)In this rule—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
A road related area includes the shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

31Starting a right turn from a road (except a multi‑lane road)
(1)A driver turning right at an intersection from a road (except a multi-lane road) must approach and enter the intersection in accordance with this rule.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Intersection and multi-lane road are defined in the dictionary.
(2)If the road has a dividing line or median strip, the driver must approach and enter the intersection from the left of, parallel to, and as near as practicable to, the dividing line or median strip.
Note
Dividing line and median strip are defined in the dictionary.
(3)If the road does not have a dividing line or median strip and is not a one-way road, the driver must approach and enter the intersection from the left of, parallel to, and as near as practicable to, the centre of the road.

Note
Centre of the road and one-way road are defined in the dictionary.
(4)If the road is a one-way road, the driver must approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far right side of the road.
(4A)Subrules (2), (3) and (4) also apply to a rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter who approaches and enters an intersection from a bicycle storage area.

Note
Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.
(4B)Despite subrules (2), (3) and (4), if there is space in a bicycle storage area for 2 riders of bicycles to be next to each other, the rider on the left may approach and enter the intersection as near as practicable to the left side of the other rider, but only if that other rider approaches and enters the intersection in accordance with this rule.
(5)In this rule—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
Road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.

Examples
1 Starting a right turn from a road with a dividing line
2 Starting a right turn from a one-way road
32Starting a right turn from a multi-lane road
(1)A driver turning right at an intersection from a multi-lane road must approach and enter the intersection from within the right lane unless—
(a)the driver is required or permitted to approach and enter the intersection from within another marked lane in accordance with rule 89(1), 92 or 159; or
(b)the driver is turning at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17; or
(c)subrule (2) applies to the driver; or

(d)the lane is a bus only lane.

Penalty:3 penalty units.

Notes
1 B lights, intersection, marked lane, multi-lane road, public bus and traffic arrows are defined in the dictionary. Right lane is defined in subrule (3). Bus only lane is defined in rule 154A.

2 Rule 89(1) deals with right turn only signs, rule 92 deals with traffic lane arrows and rule 159 deals with traffic signs requiring particular kinds of vehicles to drive in an indicated marked lane.
3 Division 2 of Part 17 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.

Example for subrule (1)(a)
Starting a right turn on a multi-lane road with traffic lane arrows as required or permitted under rule 92
(2)A driver may approach and enter the intersection from the marked lane next to the right lane as well as, or instead of, the right lane if—
(a)the driver's vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7×5 metres long, or longer; and
(b)the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and
(c)any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection; and
(d)it is not practicable for the driver to turn right from within the right lane; and
(e)the driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn right at the intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.

Notes
1 Driver's vehicle is defined in the dictionary.
2 Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15(d).
(2A)If there is a bicycle storage area before an intersection that extends across one or more marked lanes of a multi-lane road, a rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter turning right (but not making a hook turn) must approach and enter the intersection from within the part of the bicycle storage area that is directly in front of the right marked lane or of a bicycle lane that is on the right side of the road.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Bicycle storage area is defined in the dictionary.
(3)In this rule—
marked lane, for a driver, does not include a special purpose lane in which the driver is not permitted to drive;
right lane means—
(a)the marked lane nearest to the dividing line or median strip on the road; or
(b)if there is an obstruction (for example, a parked car or roadworks) in that marked lane—the marked lane nearest to that marked lane that is not obstructed.

Notes
1 Dividing line, median strip, obstruction and special purpose lane are defined in the dictionary.
2 Rule 95 deals with driving in an emergency stopping lane and Part 11, Division 6 deals with driving in other special purpose lanes.

Do not overtake turning vehicle signs
Note for diagrams
These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.
33Making a right turn
(1)A driver turning right at an intersection must make the turn in accordance with this rule unless—
(a)the driver is turning, at B lights or traffic arrows, in accordance with Division 2 of Part 17; or
(b)subrule (4) applies to the driver.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Notes
1 B lights, intersection and traffic arrows are defined in the dictionary.
2 Division 2 of Part 17 provides for priority to be given to public buses at intersections with B lights or a white traffic arrow.
(2)If there is a turn line indicating how the turn is required to be made, the driver must make the turn as indicated by the turn line.
Note
Turn line is defined in the dictionary.

(3)If there is no turn line indicating how the turn is required to be made, the driver must make the turn so the driver—
(a)passes as near as practicable to the right of the centre of the intersection; and
(b)turns into the left of the centre of the road the driver is entering, unless the driver is entering a one-way road.

Note
Centre of the road is defined in the dictionary.
Examples
1 Making a right turn as indicated by turn lines
2 Making a right turn from a road with no road marking indicating how to make the turn
(4)A driver may turn right other than as indicated by a turn line if—
(a)the driver's vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7×5 metres long, or longer; and
(b)the vehicle displays a do not overtake turning vehicle sign; and
(c)it is not practicable for the driver to turn right as indicated by the turn line; and
(d)the driver can safely make the turn other than as indicated by the turn line.

Notes
1 Driver's vehicle is defined in the dictionary.
2 Vehicle includes a combination—see rule 15(d).
Do not overtake turning vehicle signs
Note for diagrams
These signs are displayed on certain long vehicles.

Division 3—Hook turns at intersections

34Making a hook turn at a hook turn only sign
(1)A driver turning right at an intersection with traffic lights and a hook turn only sign must turn right by making a hook turn in accordance with this rule.
Penalty:In the case of a bicycle or an electric scooter, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

Note
Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.
(2)To make a hook turn, the driver must take, in sequence, each of the following steps:
Step 1Approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road that the driver is leaving.
Step 2Move forward, keeping as near as practicable to the left of the intersection and clear of any marked foot crossing, until the driver is as near as practicable to the far side of the road that the driver is entering.
Step 3Remain at the position reached under step 2 until the traffic lights on the road that the driver is entering change to green.
Step 4Turn right into that road.

Note
Marked foot crossing is defined in the dictionary.
(3)In this rule—
road does not include a road related area.
Note
Road related area is defined in rule 13.

Hook turn only sign

Example

Making a hook turn at a
hook turn only sign

35Optional hook turn by a rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter

(1)The rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter turning right at an intersection without a hook turn only sign, or a no hook turn by bicycles sign, may turn right at the intersection by making a right turn under Division 2 or a hook turn under this rule.
Note
Bicycle, electric scooter and intersection are defined in the dictionary.

(2)The rider must make a hook turn under this rule in accordance with subrule (3).
Penalty:2 penalty units.

(3)To make a hook turn under this rule, the rider must take, in sequence, each of the following steps:
Step 1Approach and enter the intersection from as near as practicable to the far left side of the road that the rider is leaving.
Step 2Move forward—
(a)keeping as near as practicable to the far left side of the intersection; and
(b)keeping clear of any marked foot crossing; and
(c)keeping clear, as far as practicable, of any driver turning left from the left of the intersection—

until the rider is as near as practicable to the far side of the road that the rider is entering.
Step 3If there are traffic lights at the intersection, remain at the position reached under step 2 until the traffic lights on the road that the rider is entering change to green.
Step 4If there are no traffic lights at the intersection, remain at the position reached under step 2 until the rider has given way to approaching drivers on the road that the rider is leaving.
Step 5Turn right into the road that the rider is entering.

Note
Approaching and marked foot crossing are defined in the dictionary.
(4)To make a hook turn under this rule at an intersection that has a bicycle hook turn storage area on the left side of the intersection as the rider approaches the intersection, the rider must take the following initial 2 steps instead of the initial 2 steps listed in subrule (3):
Step 1Approach the intersection from the far left side of the road the rider is leaving and enter the intersection by moving into the bicycle hook turn storage area, keeping clear of any marked foot crossing.
Step2 Move forward in the bicycle hook turn storage area until the rider is as near as practicable to the far side of the road that the rider is entering.

Note
Bicycle hook turn storage area is defined in the dictionary.
Examples
1 Bicycle rider making a hook turn at an intersection with bicycle hook turn storage area
2 Bicycle rider making a hook turn at an intersection without traffic lights
36Rider of bicycle or electric scooter making a hook turn contrary to no hook turn by bicycles sign
The rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter must not make a hook turn at an intersection that has a no hook turn by bicycles sign.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Bicycle, electric scooter and intersection are defined in the dictionary.

No hook turn by bicycles sign

Division 4—U-turns

Note
U-turn is defined in the dictionary.
37Beginning a U-turn
A driver must not begin a U-turn unless—
(a)the driver has a clear view of any approaching traffic; and
(b)the driver can safely make the U-turn without unreasonably obstructing the free movement of traffic.
Penalty:10 penalty units.

Notes
1 Approaching traffic means traffic approaching from any direction—see the definition in the dictionary.
2 Traffic is defined in the dictionary.
38Giving way when making a U-turn
(1)A driver making a U-turn must give way to all vehicles and pedestrians.
Penalty:5 penalty units.

Note
For this rule, give way means the driver must slow down and, if necessary, stop to avoid a collision—see the definition in the dictionary.
(2)Despite subrule (1), a driver making a U-turn does not have to give way to a driver entering the road from a road related area or adjacent land.
Notes
1 Adjacent land is defined in the dictionary and road related area is defined in rule 13.
2 For the case of a driver entering a road from a road related area or adjacent land, see rule 74.

(3)In this rule—
road does not include a road related area.

Note
A road related area includes any shoulder of a road—see rule 13.
39Making a U-turn contrary to a no U-turn sign
(1)A driver must not make a U-turn at a break in a dividing strip on a road if there is a no U-turn sign at the break in the dividing strip.
Penalty:In the case of a bicycle or an electric scooter, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

Notes
1 Dividing strip is defined in the dictionary.
2 Rule 322(5) and (6) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign at a break in a dividing strip.
(2)A driver must not make a U-turn on a length of road to which a no U-turn sign applies.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Length of road is defined in the dictionary.
(3)A no U-turn sign on a road (except a no U-turn sign at an intersection or at a break in a dividing strip) applies to the length of road beginning at the sign and ending at the nearer of the following—
(a)the next intersection on the road;
(b)if the road ends at a T-intersection or dead end—the end of the road.

Notes
1 Intersection and T-intersection are defined in the dictionary.
2 Rule 322(1) and (2) deal with the meaning of a traffic sign on a road.
No U-turn signs

No U-turn sign (Standard sign)

No U-turn sign (Variable illuminated message sign)

Note for diagrams
There is another permitted version of the no U-turn sign (Standard sign)—see the diagram in Schedule 3.
40Making a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights
A driver must not make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights if there is a no U-turn sign at the intersection.
Penalty:5 penalty units.

Note
Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.
41Making a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights
A driver must not make a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights if there is a no U-turn sign at the intersection.
Penalty:In the case of a bicycle or an electric scooter, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

Notes
1 Intersection and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.
2 U-turns are permitted at intersections without traffic lights unless there is a no U-turn sign, even though traffic lane arrows indicate that the driver must or may turn right—see rule 92.
42Starting a U-turn at an intersection
A driver making a U-turn at an intersection must start the U-turn—
(a)if the road where the driver is turning has a dividing line or median strip—from the marked lane nearest, or as near as practicable, to the dividing line or median strip; or
(b)in any other case—from the left of the centre of the road.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Centre of the road, dividing line, intersection, marked lane and median strip are defined in the dictionary.
Example
Starting a U-turn on a road with a median strip
43Making a U-turn at certain crossings
A driver must not make a U-turn at any of the following crossings, with or without traffic lights, unless there is a U-turn permitted sign at the crossing—
(a)children's crossing;
(b)level crossing;
(c)pedestrian crossing.
Penalty:In the case of a bicycle or an electric scooter, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

Note
Children's crossing is defined in rule 80, level crossing is defined in rule 120, pedestrian crossing is defined in rule 81 and traffic lights are defined in the dictionary.

43AMaking a U-turn on a road related area with traffic lights
A driver must not make a U-turn at a place with traffic lights where a road and road related area intersect if there is a no U-turn sign at the place.
Penalty:In the case of a bicycle or an electric scooter, 3 penalty units;
In the case of any other vehicle, 5 penalty units.

Notes
1 Road includes a road related area—see rule 11(2).
2 Traffic lights is defined in the dictionary and road related area is defined in rule 13.

PART 5—CHANGE OF DIRECTION AND STOP SIGNALS

Division 1—Change of direction signals

44Division does not apply to entering or leaving a roundabout or lane filtering or repositioning
This Division does not apply to—
(a)a driver entering, in or leaving a roundabout; or
(b)the rider of a motor cycle who moves from within a lane or line of traffic in order to engage in lane filtering in the circumstances set out in rule 151B; or
(c)the rider of a motor bike while repositioning the motor bike within the same lane in order to avoid a hazard or reduce the risk of a crash.

Notes
1Part 9 deals with giving change of direction signals when entering or leaving a roundabout.
2Lane filtering is defined in the dictionary.
45What is changing direction
(1)A driver changes direction if the driver changes direction to the left or the driver changes direction to the right.
(2)A driver changes direction to the left by doing any of the following—
(a)turning left;
(b)changing marked lanes to the left;
(c)diverging to the left;
(d)entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, to the left;
(e)moving to the left to, or from, a stationary position;

(f)turning left into a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from a median strip parking area;
(g)at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the right—leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

Notes
1 Marked lane
, median strip parking area and

T-intersection
are defined in the dictionary.
2 For the meaning of left, see rule 351(1).
(3)A driver changes direction to the right by doing any of the following—
(a)turning right;
(b)changing marked lanes to the right;
(c)diverging to the right;
(d)entering a marked lane, or a line of traffic, to the right;
(e)moving to the right to, or from, a stationary position;

(f)turning right into a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from a median strip parking area;
(g)making a U-turn;
(h)at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the left—leaving the continuing road to proceed straight ahead onto the terminating road.

Notes
1 U-turn is defined in the dictionary.
2 For the meaning of right, see rule 351(2).

Examples for subrules (2)(g) and (3)(h)

Example 1

Driver indicating change of direction at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the right and the driver is proceeding straight ahead onto the terminating road

Example 2

Driver indicating change of direction at a T-intersection where the continuing road curves to the left and the driver is proceeding straight ahead onto the terminating road

46Giving a left change of direction signal
(1)Before a driver changes direction to the left, the driver must give a left change of direction signal in accordance with rule 47 for long enough to comply with subrule (2) and, if subrule (3) applies to the driver, that subrule.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Changes direction to the left is defined in rule 45(2).
(2)The driver must give the change of direction signal for long enough to give sufficient warning to other drivers and pedestrians.

(3)If the driver is about to change direction by moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or in a median strip parking area, the driver must give the change of direction signal for at least 5 seconds before the driver changes direction.
Note
Median strip parking area is defined in the dictionary.
(4)The driver must stop giving the change of direction signal as soon as the driver completes the change of direction.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

(5)This rule does not apply to a driver if the driver's vehicle is not fitted with direction indicator lights.
Note
Driver's vehicle is defined in the dictionary.
47How to give a left change of direction signal
The driver of a vehicle must give a left change of direction signal by operating the vehicle's left direction indicator lights.
48Giving a right change of direction signal
(1)Before a driver changes direction to the right, the driver must give a right change of direction signal in accordance with rule 49 for long enough to comply with subrule (2) and, if subrule (3) applies to the driver, that subrule.
Penalty:3 penalty units.

Note
Changes direction to the right is defined in rule 45(3).

Note
Red pedestrian symbol is defined in this dictionary.
red pedestrian symbol means a symbol consisting of a picture of a pedestrian as shown in the diagram in red in Schedule 4;
red T light means an illuminated red T;
red traffic arrow means an illuminated red arrow;
red traffic light means an illuminated red disc;
registered health practitioner means an individual registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in a health profession (other than as a student);
registered medical practitioner means a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law to practise in the medical profession (other than as a student);
relocatable digital RSC has the same meaning as in the Road Safety (General) Regulations 2019;

ride, for the rider of a motor bike or animal-drawn vehicle, includes be in control of;
Note
Motor bike is defined in this dictionary.
rider see rule 17;
right, for a person or in relation to something, see rule 351(2) and (3);
right change of direction signal means a change of direction signal given in accordance with rule 49;
right traffic lane arrows means traffic lane arrows applying to a marked lane that indicate only a direction to the right;
Note
Marked lane and traffic lane arrows are defined in this dictionary.
road see rules 11(2) and 12;
road marking means a word, figure, symbol, mark, line, raised marker or stud, or something else, on the surface of a road to direct or warn traffic, but does not include a painted island;
Note
Painted island is defined in this dictionary.
road related area see rule 13;
road user see rule 14;
roundabout see rule 109;
safety zone see rule 162;
scooter see rule 244A;
Secretary has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010;

secure services vehicle means any vehicle used to transport a child or youth to or from a secure welfare service, youth justice centre or youth residential centre as defined in the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005;
separated footpath see rule 239;
separated footpath road marking see rule 239;
service road means the part of a road that—
(a)is separated from other parts of the road by a dividing strip that is not designed or developed, wholly or mainly, to separate vehicles travelling in opposite directions; and
(b)is—
(i)designed or developed to be used, wholly or mainly, by traffic servicing adjacent land; or

(ii)indicated to be a service road by information on or with a traffic control device on the road;

Note
Adjacent land, dividing strip, traffic, traffic control device and with are defined in this dictionary. Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
shared path see rule 242;
shared zone see rule 24;
sheriff has the same meaning as in the Sheriff Act 2009;
sheriff's officer has the same meaning as in the Sheriff Act 2009;
sheriff's vehicle means any motor vehicle driven by a sheriff's officer who is driving the vehicle in the course of their duties as a sheriff's officer;
Note
Sheriff's officer is defined in this dictionary. Motor vehicle is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986.
shoulder see rule 12;
slip lane means an area of road for vehicles turning left that is separated, at some point, from other parts of the road by a painted island or traffic island, but not by a median strip;
Note
Median strip, painted island and traffic island are defined in this dictionary. Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
special purpose lane means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane, that is a bicycle lane, bus lane, emergency stopping lane, tram lane, transit lane or truck lane;
Note
Bicycle lane is defined in rule 153, bus lane is defined in rule 154 and emergency stopping lane is defined in rule 95. Marked lane is defined in this dictionary. Tram lane is defined in rule 155, transit lane is defined in rule 156 and truck lane is defined in rule 157.
speed-limited area see rule 22;
stop, in Part 12 and for a driver, includes park, but does not include stop to reverse the driver's vehicle into a parking bay or other parking space;
Notes
1 Driver's vehicle, park and parking bay are defined in this dictionary.
2 Part 12 deals with restrictions on stopping and parking.
stop line means a continuous line that—
(a)is marked across all or part of a road; and

(b)is not part of a marked foot crossing, a keep clear marking or a bicycle storage area for hook turns;

Notes
1     Keep clear marking is defined in rule 96. Marked foot crossing is defined in this dictionary.
2     There is an example of a stop line in rule 67.
straight ahead includes substantially straight ahead;
T-intersection means an intersection, other than a roundabout, where 2 roads meet (whether or not at right angles) and one of the roads ends;
Note
Intersection is defined in this dictionary.
T light means a red, white or yellow T light;
Note
Red T light, white T light and yellow T light are defined in this dictionary.
T lights means a device designed to show a T light, or 2 or more T lights at different times;
taxi means a commercial passenger vehicle that is compliant (as defined in regulation 9(4) of the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Regulations 2018) and that is being used to provide a commercial passenger vehicle service in accordance with the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 2017 and the regulations made under that Act;
*                *                *                *                *

taxi zone see rule 182;

terminating road, for a T-intersection, means—
(a)if a road (except a road related area) at the intersection is designated by traffic signs or road markings, or in another way, as a road that ends at the intersection—that road; or
(b)in any other case—a road (except a road related area) that ends at the intersection;

Note
Road is defined in rule 12 and road related area is defined in rule 13. T-intersection is defined in this dictionary.
tow truck has the same meaning as it has in section 3(1) of the Accident Towing Services Act 2007;
tractor means a motor vehicle that is a tractor by virtue of a declaration under section 3(2)(c) of the Road Safety Act 1986;
Note
Motor vehicle is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986.
traffic includes vehicles and pedestrians;
Note
Pedestrian is defined in rule 18 and vehicle is defined in rule 15.
traffic arrow means a green, white or red traffic arrow, or a yellow traffic arrow (whether or not flashing);
Note
Green traffic arrow, red traffic arrow, white traffic arrow and yellow traffic arrow are defined in this dictionary.
traffic arrows means a device designed to show a traffic arrow, or 2 or more traffic arrows at different times;
traffic control device means a traffic sign, road marking, traffic signals, or another device, to direct or warn traffic on, entering or leaving a road;
Note
Various terms used in this definition are defined in this dictionary.
traffic island means a structure on a road to direct traffic, but does not include a road marking or painted island;
Note
Painted island and road marking are defined in this dictionary.
traffic lane arrows means a traffic sign, road marking or device that displays arrows indicating one or more directions and is designed to apply to one or more marked lanes, but does not include traffic arrows;
Note
Marked lane, road marking, traffic arrow and traffic sign are defined in this dictionary.
traffic light means a green traffic light, or a red or yellow traffic light (whether or not flashing);
Note
Green traffic light, red traffic light and yellow traffic light are defined in this dictionary.
traffic lights means a device designed to show a traffic light, or 2 or more traffic lights in a vertical arrangement and at different times, and includes any traffic arrows installed with or near the device;
traffic lights pole means a pole or other structure on which traffic lights are installed;
traffic-related item means any of the following—
(a)a do not overtake turning vehicle sign;
(b)a give way to buses sign;
(c)a fire hydrant indicator or fire plug indicator;

Note
Examples of a fire hydrant indicator and fire plug indicator are shown in Schedule 4.
traffic sign means a board, plate, screen, or another device, whether or not illuminated, displaying words, figures, symbols or anything else to direct or warn traffic on, entering or leaving a road, and includes a children crossing flag, a hand-held stop sign, a parking control sign and a variable illuminated message sign, but does not include traffic signals;
Note
Various terms used in this definition are defined in this dictionary.
traffic signals means B lights, bicycle crossing lights, overhead lane control signals, pedestrian lights, T lights, traffic arrows, traffic lights, or twin red or yellow lights;
Note
Various terms used in this definition are defined in this dictionary.
trailer means a vehicle that is built to be towed, or is towed, by a motor vehicle, but does not include a motor vehicle that is being towed;
Note
Motor vehicle is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986. Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
tram includes a reference to a light rail vehicle;
tram lane see rule 155;
tram recovery vehicle means a vehicle used by a tram operator to access and recover disabled trams or to resolve incidents on a tram for which the tram operator is responsible;
tram stop means a place on a road at which there is a sign indicating that trams will stop to enable people to get on or off;
tram tracks includes a rail designed for a light rail vehicle to run on;
tramway see rule 155A;
transit lane see rule 156;
travelon, for an electric personal transporter, means to be in control of the electric personal transporter;

travelling along tram tracks, for a bus, means being driven along the area where the tram tracks are laid on behalf of a body to whom the tram tracks are leased;
Note
Bus is defined in the Road Safety Act 1986. Tram tracks is defined in this dictionary.
trolley includes a shopping trolley and any other kind of handcart;
truck means a rigid motor vehicle that is principally constructed as a load carrying vehicle. However, a reference in these Rules to a truck does not include a reference to—
(a)a motor vehicle, other than a prime mover, with a GVM not greater than 4×5 tonnes; or
(b)a prime mover with a GCM not greater than 4×5 tonnes; or
(c)a bus, tram or tractor;

Note
Bus, GCM, GVM, motor vehicle and prime mover are defined in the Road Safety Act 1986. Tram and tractor are defined in this dictionary.
truck lane see rule 157;
truck zone see rule 180;
turn line means a road marking, at an intersection, consisting of a line (whether broken or continuous) that is designed to indicate how a turn is to be made at the intersection;
turning lane means a marked lane, or the part of a marked lane, for vehicles travelling in one direction to which—
(a)a left turn only sign or a left lane must turn left sign applies or left traffic lane arrows apply; or
(b)a right turn only sign or a right lane must turn right sign applies or right traffic lane arrows apply; or

(c)a U-turn permitted sign applies or U-turn traffic lane arrows apply;

Note
Left traffic lane arrows, marked lane, right traffic lane arrows,
U-turn and U-turn traffic lane arrows are defined in this dictionary. Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
twin red lights means a device showing, in a horizontal or diagonal arrangement, 2 illuminated red discs that flash alternately;
twin yellow lights means a device showing, in a horizontal or diagonal arrangement, 2 illuminated yellow discs that flash alternately;
two-way road means a road for use by vehicles travelling in opposite directions;
Note
Vehicle is defined in rule 15.
U-turn means a turn made by a driver so that the driver's vehicle faces in approximately the opposite direction from which it was facing immediately before the turn was made, but does not include a turn made at a roundabout;
Note
Driver's vehicle is defined in this dictionary. Roundabout is defined in rule 109.
U-turn traffic lane arrows means traffic lane arrows applying to a marked lane that indicate only a U-turn direction;
Note
U-turn is defined in this dictionary.
UN 22 means United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 22, 'Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Protective Helmets and their Visors for Drivers and Passengers of Motor Cycles and Mopeds';

variable illuminated message device means a device designed to display, and to change or turn off from time to time by electronic or optical means, illuminated words, figures, symbols, or anything else, to direct or warn traffic on, entering or leaving a road, but does not include traffic signals;
Note
Traffic is defined in this dictionary.
variable illuminated message sign means the illuminated words, figures, symbols, or other things, displayed at any relevant time on a variable illuminated message device;
vehicle see rule 15;
West Gate Tunnel Corporation has the same meaning as it has in section 3 of the West Gate Tunnel (Truck Bans and Traffic Management) Act 2019;

West Gate Tunnel operator has the same meaning as it has in section 3 of the West Gate Tunnel (Truck Bans and Traffic Management) Act 2019;

West Gate Tunnel tollway has the same meaning as it has in section 3 of the West Gate Tunnel (Truck Bans and Traffic Management) Act 2019;

wheelchair means a chair mounted on 2 or more wheels that is built to transport a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty in walking, but does not include a pram, stroller or trolley;
Note
Trolley is defined in this dictionary.
wheeled recreational device means a wheeled device, built to transport a person, propelled by human power or gravity (or in the case of a scooter, propelled by a person pushing one foot against the ground, or by an electric motor or motors, or by a combination of these), and ordinarily used for recreation or play, and—
(a)includes rollerblades, rollerskates, a skateboard, a scooter (other than an electric scooter) that is not a motor vehicle, or similar wheeled device; but
(b)does not include the following—
(i)a golf buggy, pram, stroller or trolley;

(ii)a bicycle;
(iii)an electric scooter (whether or not the electric scooter is a motor vehicle);
(iv)an electric personal transporter;
(v)a wheelchair or wheeled toy;
(vi)a scooter that is a motor vehicle;

Note
Bicycle, electric personal transporter, electric scooter, trolley, wheelchair and wheeled toy are defined in this dictionary. Scooter is defined in rule 244A.
wheeled toy means a child's pedal car, scooter (other than a motorised scooter) or tricycle or a similar toy, but only when it is being used only by a child who is under 12 years old;
white B light means an illuminated white B as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4;
white T light means an illuminated white T as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4;
white traffic arrow means an illuminated white arrow;
window, in relation to a vehicle, includes any sunroof fitted to the vehicle;
with, for information about the application of a traffic control device, includes accompanying or reasonably associated with the device;
works zone see rule 181;
yellow B light means an illuminated yellow B;
yellow bicycle crossing light means an illuminated yellow bicycle symbol (whether or not flashing) as shown in the diagram in Schedule 4;
Note
Bicycle symbol is defined in this dictionary.
yellow T light means an illuminated yellow T;
yellow traffic arrow means an illuminated yellow arrow;
yellow traffic light means an illuminated yellow disc.

═══════════════

ENDNOTES

1 General information

See for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information.

The Road Safety Road Rules 2017, S.R. No. 41/2017 were made on 6 June 2017 by the Governor in Council under section 95D of the Road Safety Act 1986, No. 127/1986 and came into operation on 1 July 2017: rule 2.

The Road Safety Road Rules 2017 will sunset 10 years after the day of making on 6 June 2027 (see section 5 of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994).

INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA)

Style changes

Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act.

References to ILA s. 39B

Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided regulation, rule or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subregulations, subrules or subclauses the original regulation, rule or clause becomes subregulation, subrule or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original regulation, rule or clause.

Interpretation

As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects:

• Headings

All headings included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after
1 January 2001 form part of that Statutory Rule. Any heading inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Statutory Rule.
This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; Orders; Parts into which an Order is divided; clauses; regulations; rules; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms.
See section 36(1A)(2A)(2B).

• Examples, diagrams or notes

All examples, diagrams or notes included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Statutory Rule. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Statutory Rule. See section 36(3A).

• Punctuation

All punctuation included in a Statutory Rule which is made on or after
1 January 2001 forms part of that Statutory Rule. Any punctuation inserted in a Statutory Rule which was made before 1 January 2001, by a Statutory Rule made on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Statutory Rule.
See section 36(3B).

• Provision numbers

All provision numbers included in a Statutory Rule form part of that Statutory Rule, whether inserted in the Statutory Rule before, on or after
1 January 2001. Provision numbers include regulation numbers, rule numbers, subregulation numbers, subrule numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C).

• Location of "legislative items"

A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of a Statutory Rule is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B.

• Other material

Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of a Statutory Rule. See section 36(3)(3D)(3E).

2 Table of Amendments

This publication incorporates amendments made to the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 by statutory rules, subordinate instruments and Acts.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2018, S.R. No. 6/2018

Date of Making: 30.1.18

Date of Commencement: 30.1.18

Road Safety Road Rules Further Amendment Rules 2018, S.R. No. 87/2018

Date of Making: 26.6.18

Date of Commencement: 26.6.18

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry) Rules 2018, S.R. No. 88/2018

Date of Making: 26.6.18

Date of Commencement: Rules 7, 9, 10 on 2.7.18: rule 3(1); rules 5, 6, 8 on 1.9.18: rule 3(2)

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2019, S.R. No. 96/2019

Date of Making: 15.10.19

Date of Commencement: 15.10.19

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Speed-Limit Sign) Rules 2019, S.R. No. 121/2019

Date of Making: 26.11.19

Date of Commencement: 26.11.19

Road Safety Road Rules Further Amendment Rules 2019, S.R. No. 153/2019

Date of Making: 17.12.19

Date of Commencement: 1.1.20: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2020, S.R. No. 121/2020

Date of Making: 4.11.20

Date of Commencement: Rules 5–16 on 4.11.20: rule 3(1); rules 17–28 on 1.12.20: rule 3(2)

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2021, S.R. No. 35/2021

Date of Making: 20.4.21

Date of Commencement: 26.4.21: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Further Amendment Rules 2021, S.R. No. 111/2021

Date of Making: 31.8.21

Date of Commencement: Rules 6–11, 17 on 31.8.21: rule 3(1); rules 12–16 on 6.9.21: rule 3(2); rule 5 on 23.9.21: rule 3(3)

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Electric Scooter Trial) Rules 2021, S.R. No. 135/2021

Date of Making: 9.11.21

Date of Commencement: 15.11.21: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Animal-Drawn Vehicles) Rules 2022, S.R. No. 30/2022

Date of Making: 17.5.22

Date of Commencement: 13.6.22: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Speed-limit) Rules 2022, S.R. No. 38/2022

Date of Making: 31.5.22

Date of Commencement: 1.7.22: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2023, S.R. No. 7/2023

Date of Making: 14.2.23

Date of Commencement: 31.3.23: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Electric Scooters) Rules 2023, S.R. No. 22/2023

Date of Making: 4.4.23

Date of Commencement: 5.4.23: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment (Electric Scooters) Rules 2024, S.R. No. 101/2024

Date of Making: 1.10.24

Date of Commencement: 4.10.24: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules Amendment Rules 2025, S.R. No. 21/2025

Date of Making: 15.4.25

Date of Commencement: Rules 5, 6, 8–18 on 15.4.25: rule 3(1); rule 7 on 1.7.25: rule 3(2)

Road Safety Road Rules Further Amendment Rules 2025, S.R. No. 67/2025

Date of Making: 1.7.25

Date of Commencement: 1.7.25: rule 3

Road Safety Road Rules (West Gate Tunnel) Amendment Rules 2025, S.R. No. 102/2025

Date of Making: 30.9.25

Date of Commencement: 30.9.25

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3 Explanatory details

[1] Rule 215(4): S.R. No. 116/2021 as amended by S.R. Nos 47/2022, 51/2022, 129/2022, 130/2022, 53/2023, 54/2023, 67/2023 and 43/2024.

2 Rule 216(3) def. of dangerous goods: S.R. No. 155/2018.

3 Rule 221(f): S.R. No. 102/2020.

4 Rule 234(3)(c): S.R. No. 93/2019.

Rule 408(1): S.R. No. 94/2009. Reprint No. 1 as at 1 August 2013. Reprinted to S.R. No. 88/2013. Subsequently amended by

S.R. Nos 134/2013, 151/2013, 68/2014, 132/2014, 146/2014, 86/2015, 120/2015, 125/2015 and 98/2016.

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Penalty Units

These Rules provide for penalties by reference to penalty units within the meaning of section 110 of the Sentencing Act 1991. The amount of the penalty is to be calculated, in accordance with section 7 of the Monetary Units Act 2004, by multiplying the number of penalty units applicable by the value of a penalty unit.

The value of a penalty unit for the financial year commencing 1 July 2025 is $203.51. The amount of the calculated penalty may be rounded to the nearest dollar.

The value of a penalty unit for future financial years is to be fixed by the Treasurer under section 5 of the Monetary Units Act 2004. The value of a penalty unit for a financial year must be published in the Government Gazette and a Victorian newspaper before 1 June in the preceding financial year.

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Table of Applied, Adopted or Incorporated Matter

The following table of applied, adopted or incorporated matter was included in S.R. No. 87/2018 in accordance with the requirements of regulation 5 of the Subordinate Legislation Regulations 2014.

Statutory rule provision	Title of applied, adopted or incorporated document	Matter in applied, adopted or incorporated document
Rule 17(a) definition of *AS 1698* in the dictionary	Australian Standard 'Protective Helmets for Vehicle Users' AS 1698—1988, published 9 May 1988 by Standards Australia	The whole
Rule 17(a) definition of *AS/NZS 1698* in the dictionary	Australian/New Zealand Standard 'Protective helmets for vehicle users', AS/NZS 1698:2006, published 20 February 2006 by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand	The whole
Rule 17(a) definition of *UN 22* in the dictionary	United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No. 22, 'Uniform Provisions Concerning the Approval of Protective Helmets and their Visors for Drivers and Passengers of Motor Cycles and Mopeds', E/ECE/324 Rev. 4 published 24 September 2002 by the United Nations	The whole

Reader's Guide

Aim of the Guide

The aim of this Guide is to help you to understand the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 (the Road Rules) and the way they apply to different kinds of roads, vehicles and road users. The Guide also gives information on the structure of the Road Rules.

As a matter of law, the Guide is not part of the Road Rules.

The Road Rules

The Road Rules provide rules to be followed by all road users.

They are part of a national scheme to provide uniform road laws throughout Australia.

How to use the Road Rules

1Contents and dictionary
The contents at the beginning of the Road Rules will help you to find particular rules or groups of rules that you may be interested in. They may also be helpful in giving you an overview of the structure of the Road Rules.
The dictionary at the end of the Road Rules defines words and expressions that have special meanings in the Road Rules. It includes words and expressions that are defined elsewhere in the Road Rules.
2Application of the Road Rules and some key concepts
The application of the Road Rules and some key concepts are explained in Part 2 of the Road Rules. You will need to understand Part 2 to apply the Road Rules properly.

Roads and road related areas
The Road Rules apply to vehicles, animals and persons on roads and "road related areas". "Road related areas" are areas like footpaths, nature strips and parking areas. The Road Rules generally apply to road related areas in the same way as they apply to roads.
In the Road Rules, a reference to a "road" generally includes road related areas. If a particular rule does not apply to road related areas, or applies only to road related areas, this will be stated in the rule.
Drivers and riders
The Road Rules are generally expressed to apply to drivers of vehicles, since they are the largest category of road users. A driver is the person driving or otherwise in control of a vehicle. For example, a person steering and pushing a stalled motor vehicle would be in control of the vehicle and be the "driver".
Persons riding, or otherwise in control of, motor bikes or animal-drawn vehicles, or riding bicycles, electric scooters or animals, are called "riders", rather than drivers. The Road Rules generally apply to them in the same way as they apply to drivers.
In the Road Rules, a reference to a "driver" generally includes a rider. If a particular rule does not apply to riders, or applies only to particular kinds of riders, this is stated in the rule.
The definition of a "vehicle" (also in Part 2) is very broad and is not exhaustive. It includes, for example, motorised wheelchairs that can travel over 10 kilometres per hour. However, it does not include trains. The driving of trains is not covered by the Road Rules. A reference in the Road Rules to a vehicle does not include wheeled recreational devices or wheeled toys. Riders of wheeled recreational devices and wheeled toys are treated as pedestrians.
Although most of the Road Rules apply to vehicles of all kinds and to both drivers and riders, there are some rules that apply only to particular drivers or riders. For example, the rules in Part 15 apply only to riders of bicycles and electric scooters, and the rules in Part 17 apply only to the drivers of trams and public buses.
Pedestrians
It is not appropriate to apply the Road Rules to persons in control of some kinds of vehicles as if they were drivers of conventional motor vehicles. For this reason, some persons who might otherwise come within the definition of "driver" are treated as pedestrians. For example, a person pushing a motorised wheelchair is treated as a pedestrian.
The rules that apply to pedestrians are in Part 14.
3Diagrams of traffic signs
Diagrams of all traffic signs mentioned in the Road Rules are shown in alphabetical order in Schedules 2 and 3 at the end of the Road Rules. The traffic signs in Schedule 2 are those in the relevant Australian Standard (AS 1742) as well as some existing non-standard signs in common use that will continue to be used and some new signs. The traffic signs in Schedule 3 are either alternative versions of the signs in Schedule 2 (which are being phased out) or signs that are Victoria specific.
Diagrams of signs have also been included after particular rules to help you identify the signs when reading the Road Rules.
A number of traffic signs have 2 or more permitted versions. Notes to the diagrams of signs included in particular rules will tell you if there are other permitted versions of the signs or if the signs can have other permitted features. For example, there is more than one permitted version of a speed-limit sign. Also, a speed-limit sign can have a different number. Notes to the diagram of the sign in Part 3 will tell you about these things.
Diagrams (including diagrams that are examples) are part of the Road Rules.
4Notes and examples
Notes are used throughout the Road Rules. They may tell you that certain terms are defined (and where they are defined), draw your attention to other relevant rules, or help in other ways. The notes are not part of the Road Rules.
Examples are also given throughout the Road Rules, sometimes by explanation and sometimes by diagrams. They are not exhaustive. Examples are part of the Road Rules.
5Structure and language
The following points may assist you in reading and understanding the Road Rules.
Arrangement of rules
Rules have been grouped in Parts and Divisions so that rules on the same subject are, as far as possible, together. However, some kinds of rules are relevant in many different situations. For example, in addition to the general give way rules in Part 7, giving way at traffic lights is dealt with in Part 6 (which deals with traffic lights) and giving way at roundabouts is dealt with in Part 9 (which deals with roundabouts). This arrangement gives drivers a more complete picture of their obligations at traffic lights and roundabouts.
Notes at the beginning of a Part, or with an application provision, will tell you where other rules on the subject can be found.

Structure of rules
The Road Rules often deal with complex situations. For this reason the more complex rules set out, in order—
Ÿ   the rule (that is what must, or must not, be done in the situation covered by the rule);
Ÿ   the exceptions to the rule;
Ÿ   any other information needed for the application of the rule (for example, particular definitions).
This enables the reader to see the rule set out in the simplest and clearest way.
Exemptions
In addition to exemptions that may be set out in a rule, there are a number of general exemptions. Trams, for example, are exempted from the operation of a number of Parts in the Road Rules because they run on fixed tracks. The list of exceptions for trams is in Part 19 (Exemptions). Also, in Part 19 there are, for example, a number of general exemptions for police and emergency vehicles and for other vehicles and drivers in particular situations.
Definitions included in a rule
Most definitions of words and expressions are given in the dictionary. However, some terms are defined in the text of a rule. This is generally done where the word or expression is used only in that rule and nowhere else in the Road Rules. In addition, some definitions, particularly of areas or lengths of road that are established by traffic signs or road markings, are complex or need diagrams to be fully understood. They are placed with the basic rule that deals with the area or length of road, so that the rule and the definition (with any accompanying diagrams) can be seen and understood together. For example, see the definitions of bicycle path and separated footpath in rule 239. This also means there is no need for diagrams of the signs to appear in the dictionary as well as at the end of the rule and in the Schedules. The definitions are, however, signposted in the dictionary at the end of the Road Rules. Notes are also included in relevant rules drawing attention to these definitions.
Use of the terms "vehicle" and "road" in a rule
Because of the way "driver" is defined, it is generally not necessary to say "the driver of a vehicle" or mention the driver's vehicle in a rule.
In the same way, because the Road Rules apply only to roads and road related areas, it is not generally necessary to say in a rule that something must, or must not, be done "on a road", except where the kind of road, or the place on a road, is relevant to the rule or it is necessary to exclude road related areas.
Use of the terms "bus" and "public bus"
If a rule is directed to the driver of a public bus, the term "public bus" is used in the rule, and the rule applies only to public buses. For examples, see Part 17 (Additional rules for drivers of trams and public buses). However, if a rule directs a driver of any vehicle to take or not take some action in relation to a bus, the term "bus" is used and the rule applies to buses of all kinds. This is because, although the rule is primarily intended to apply to public buses, a public bus may not be marked in a way that makes it distinguishable from a non-public bus, and it is preferable from the point of view of road safety that the driver treat any bus as a public bus. For examples see Part 11, Division 7 (Passing trams and safety zones). There are also some rules that refer specifically to the drivers of all buses.
Use of the term "does not apply" in relation to a rule
A rule may say that it does not apply to a driver of a particular kind, or in a particular situation. This does not mean, however, that another rule will not apply to the driver in the same situation. An example is rule 95 (Emergency stopping lane only signs). A bicycle rider does not commit an offence under rule 95 by riding in an emergency stopping lane, because the rule expressly states that it does not apply to bicycle riders. However, the rider may still commit an offence by riding in the emergency stopping lane if a no bicycles sign applies to the lane (see rule 252 (No bicycles signs and markings)).
Use of present tense for some actions
The Road Rules may say that a driver "is turning" at an intersection. The use of the present tense is intended to cover both the present and future aspects of the present tense. That is, it refers to a driver who is preparing to make the turn as well as a driver who is in the course of making the turn. The context will make this clear in the rule.
Obligation to "give way"
There are a number of rules requiring a driver to give way to another driver or a pedestrian. However, under the Road Rules the other driver or pedestrian does not have a "right" of way. Indeed, in some situations, a number of drivers may be required to give way to each other, e.g. at an intersection with a stop sign or give way sign on more than one of the intersecting roads. Similarly, although a driver may be required to give way to a pedestrian, the pedestrian is required under rule 236(1) not to cause a traffic hazard by moving into the driver's path.

Other aids to using and understanding the Road Rules

Part 20 of the Road Rules explains how traffic signs, traffic signals, road markings and other traffic control devices on roads must comply with the Road Rules to be legally effective. The Part also explains the way traffic control devices apply to lengths of road and areas, and also to drivers and other road users. Traffic signs and signals generally apply to a person if they face the person, but there are exceptions.

Part 21 of the Road Rules contains a number of provisions to put certain legal issues beyond doubt. They enable the language and concepts in the Road Rules to be expressed more simply.

Other road laws

The Road Rules do not provide all the rules to be followed by road users. Other rules applying to road users are to be found in other laws. For example, other laws deal with drink-driving. Some of these other rules are indicated by notes in the Road Rules.

Penalties and penalty units

The penalty set out at the foot of a Road Rule specifies the maximum fine that a court can impose on a person who is convicted of an offence against that Rule. Fines are set in penalty units. The dollar amount of penalty units is fixed annually under the Monetary Units Act 2004. A penalty fixed by Road Rules can be converted to a dollar amount by multiplying the current value of a penalty unit by the number of units specified in the penalty provision, then rounding to the nearest dollar.

Parking and traffic infringements

Parking infringement notices and traffic infringement notices may be issued instead of court fines for some offences. These are listed in Schedules 6 and 7 to the Road Safety (General) Regulations 2019.

Demerit points

The Secretary keeps a Demerits Register under section 35 of the Road Safety Act 1986. The driver licence or permit of a person may be suspended in accordance with that Act if too many demerit points are incurred within a given period.

The Road Safety (Drivers) Regulations 2019 prescribe the circumstances in which demerit points are incurred and the number of points to be incurred.

Speed-limit signs
Speed-limit sign (Standard sign)	Speed-limit sign (Variable illuminated message sign)
Other signs
End speed-limit sign		Speed derestriction sign

Date of Making:	26.6.18
Date of Commencement:	Rules 7, 9, 10 on 2.7.18: rule 3(1); rules 5, 6, 8 on 1.9.18: rule 3(2)

Date of Making:	17.12.19
Date of Commencement:	1.1.20: rule 3

Date of Making:	4.11.20
Date of Commencement:	Rules 5–16 on 4.11.20: rule 3(1); rules 17–28 on 1.12.20: rule 3(2)

Date of Making:	20.4.21
Date of Commencement:	26.4.21: rule 3

Date of Making:	31.8.21
Date of Commencement:	Rules 6–11, 17 on 31.8.21: rule 3(1); rules 12–16 on 6.9.21: rule 3(2); rule 5 on 23.9.21: rule 3(3)

Date of Making:	9.11.21
Date of Commencement:	15.11.21: rule 3

Date of Making:	17.5.22
Date of Commencement:	13.6.22: rule 3

Date of Making:	31.5.22
Date of Commencement:	1.7.22: rule 3

Date of Making:	14.2.23
Date of Commencement:	31.3.23: rule 3

Date of Making:	4.4.23
Date of Commencement:	5.4.23: rule 3

Date of Making:	1.10.24
Date of Commencement:	4.10.24: rule 3

Date of Making:	15.4.25
Date of Commencement:	Rules 5, 6, 8–18 on 15.4.25: rule 3(1); rule 7 on 1.7.25: rule 3(2)

Date of Making:	1.7.25
Date of Commencement:	1.7.25: rule 3